Sandigan denies Enrile's plea not to be suspended

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - The Sandiganbayan Third Division denied the appeal of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile to lift his 90-day suspension from office.

Sandiganbayan Third Division Clerk of Court Dennis Pulma said the motion for reconsideration filed by Enrile over his suspension was denied due to lack of merit.

Pulma said the anti-graft court has already ordered the Senate to immediately implement the suspension order.

Senate President Franklin Drilon said the Senate will abide by the decision of the Sandiganbayan.

"The Senate will abide by the Sandiganbayan's decision to uphold the suspension of Sen. Enrile with finality, and we will implement it as soon as we receive the official copy of the suspension order," Drilon said.

Last July 25, the Sandiganbayan ordered the suspension of Enrile for 90 days pending litigation of his P172-million plunder case in connection with the pork barrel scam.

Enrile is facing one count of plunder and 15 counts of graft before the Sandiganbayan. -- Reports from Zhander Cayabyab, dzMM; Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News